Device and method for packaging transporting and storing products, in particular bulk goods

ABSTRACT

A device for transporting and/or storing products, comprising a substantially plate-shaped carrier and a number of substantially block-shaped containers to be called block containers, wherein on the carrier at least one layer of series of block containers arranged next to and behind each other is provided, wherein the block containers are adopted to be folded and/or disassembled.

[0001] The invention relates to a device for transporting and/or storingproducts. Such a device is known from practice.

[0002] With the known device, use is made of a standard container, forinstance a 20 or 40 feet container such as a shipping container. Suchcontainers have a bottom and a roof, sidewalls and a closable loadingopening through which products can be brought into and out of thecontainer. A large number of such containers can be loaded in atransport device such as a container ship, for instance in a series oflayers on top of each other, so that a high degree of loading can beachieved. Furthermore, the products are well protected by such acontainer. However, such a container has the drawback that it has fixedoutside dimensions, irrespective of the degree of filling. This meansthat, for instance, upon returning the containers to a filling location,after the goods have been unloaded at a destination, the containers areoften completely or for the larger part empty. For filled or emptytransport and/or storage, the containers require the same transportspace. This is logistically disadvantageous. Moreover, transport andstorage of container are often paid to the required volume, which meansthat the costs for transport and storage of an empty container or afilled container are the same.

[0003] It is further known to use substantially flat carriers, such asbolsters or flats on which products can be secured, for instance withthe aid of straps or the like. Such carriers are for instance used totransport machines, irregularly shaped products and the like. Then, thebolsters are usually stacked as top layer on a series of layers ofstandard containers as described hereinabove or carried along as deckload. When using flats, where adjacent the opposite end faces end wallsare provided, machines and the like are strapped on the carrier,whereupon the flats can be stacked onto each other as containers. Theseknown methods have as a drawback that, therewith, only relativelyform-retaining products can be transported and stored, while theseproducts are not, at least hardly protected towards the outside.Moreover, the bolsters cannot be stacked one on top of each other.

[0004] The invention contemplates a device of the type described in thepreamble, wherein the above-mentioned drawbacks have been obviated asmuch as possible, while maintaining advantages thereof. To that end, adevice according to the invention is characterized by the features ofclaim 1.

[0005] With a device according to the invention, two conditions arepossible. In a first condition, the block containers are stacked on thesubstantially plate-shaped carrier, in unfolded and/or set-up condition,while in each block container, products such as bulk goods can bereceived. As the container is substantially block-shaped, the blockcontainers can be received on the carrier in a relatively densestacking, such that in this manner, a device is obtained which, as awhole, in the first condition mentioned, is also substantiallyblock-shaped and can be stacked on a comparable device or on standardcontainers as described in the preamble.

[0006] In a second condition of a device according to the invention, theblock containers are folded and/or disassembled, so that the volume isconsiderably reduced, for return or storage of empty block containers.The block containers can then be stacked on the carrier in the foldedand/or disassembled condition mentioned, so that the outside dimensionsof the respective device in the second condition as a whole areconsiderably smaller than those of the same device in the firstcondition. Preferably, a series of devices brought thus in the secondcondition is stackable, such that, once again, substantially, ablock-shape is obtained with outside dimensions which substantiallycorrespond to the outside dimensions of a standard container asdescribed in the preamble, or at least dimensions which fit within amodular size of such a container.

[0007] Herein, standard container is at least understood to include acontainer of the type described in the introduction with dimensionsusual in practice, such as 20 or 40 feet containers. Modular dimensionsis at least understood to mean dimensions such that a discrete number ofdevices according to the invention, in first and/or second condition,stacked next to or on top of each other, have outside dimensions whichsubstantially correspond to the outside dimensions of a standardcontainer. Block container is herein at least understood to include acontainer, adapted to be folded and/or disassembled, having,substantially, a block shape, i.e. with substantially rectangular sidesand a rectangular bottom surface, wherein, optionally, an open top sidecan be provided through which products can be brought into the blockcontainer. A block container can be box-shaped and can be provided withan inner container and an outer container, adapted to be folded and/ordisassembled, together or separately.

[0008] In a device according to the invention, known bolsters or flatscan be used, which have a ground surface which fits within the modulardimensions mentioned and which usually corresponds to the ground surfaceof a standard container.

[0009] In a device according to the invention, block containers arepreferably mutually connected, at least in the first condition, inparticular in lateral direction. Thus, particularly movements of theblock containers in lateral direction can be prevented. Duringtransport, in particular by water, the block containers in loadedcondition can normally be sufficiently held on the carrier in verticaldirection by their own weight. By lateral blocking, lateral movementscan then be prevented. Thus, the block-shape of the device in the firstcondition and, optionally, in the second condition, is automaticallymaintained and an even more stable, stackable device is obtained.

[0010] Preferably, with a device according to the invention, fasteningmeans are provided on the carrier to which block containers of the or alayer, at least the lower layer, can be attached, whereupon the furtherblock containers of at least the lower layer can be connected to therespective block containers.

[0011] Preferably, with block containers according to the invention,coupling means are provided which, in uncoupled position of the blockcontainers are received within the outer contour of the respective blockcontainer, while, in coupled condition, they reach partly outside theouter contour mentioned and engage in or on a juxtaposed blockcontainer. Then, it is particularly advantageous when the coupling meansmentioned can be controlled with the aid of forks of a lifting device,when the block containers are taken up therewith. As a result, the blockcontainers can be positively coupled and/or uncoupled while, thus,damages to in particular the coupling elements and the surroundings cansimply be prevented.

[0012] The invention further relates to a series of devices according tothe invention, characterized by the features of claim 12.

[0013] With such an embodiment, the advantage is achieved that a seriesof devices according to the invention can be transported back and/orstored with a minimal volume, while, furthermore, the devices can bestacked between standard containers and/or devices according to theinvention in first, set-up and, optionally, filled condition. Thus,further costs are saved while, furthermore, logistical advantages areachieved.

[0014] The invention further relates to an assembly according to theinvention, characterized by the features of claims 14 and/or 15.

[0015] The invention further relates to a method, characterized by thefeatures of claim 16.

[0016] With such a method, block containers with a carrier can be takenup and moved, filled with products, whereupon the same block containerswith relatively small volume, in folded and/or disassembled conditioncan be stored and transported for reuse. Then, in unfolded and/or set-upcondition, the separate block containers can have a relatively smallvolume in relation to the known standard containers. With a methodaccording to the invention, for instance, medium volume bulk transportis made possible, while the required volume for transport of the emptydevices is considerably smaller than the required volume for transportof full devices, so that a considerable saving in volume and costs isobtained. Furthermore, mixed goods, among which relatively small batchesof bulk goods, can be transported and stored together in a simplemanner, in separate block containers, so that a particularly flexiblemethod is obtained.

[0017] In further elaboration, a method according to the invention isfurther characterized by the features of claim 18.

[0018] By assembling the block containers on a carrier to form ablock-shaped device with outside dimensions approximately correspondingto those of a standard container, at least fitting within the modularsize of such containers, with a method according to the invention, in aparticularly advantageous, safe and economical manner, block containersand standard containers can be transported and stored together. Thus,moreover, a particularly large logistic freedom is obtained. Further,both set-up devices, i.e. filled block containers, and standardcontainers and folded and/or disassembled block containers with carrierscan be transported in a mixed manner. Thus, the logistic freedom is evenfurther enhanced.

[0019] The invention further relates to the use of a bolster or a flat,characterized by the features of claim 24.

[0020] A bolster is a substantially flat carrier, known from practice,with holes for attaching strapping means. A flat is such a bolsterwhich, however, is provided on two opposite ends with a removable orfoldable end wall, on which a further flat, bolster or standardcontainer can be stacked. In a use according to the invention, a modularcontainer of standard dimensions is obtained, receivable in a logisticsystem of bolsters, flats and, in particular, standard containers,while, for transport in empty condition, considerably less space andcosts are involved, while a particularly large logistic freedom isobtained. This is particularly so because, in principle, the bolstersand/or flats and/or standard containers for use therewith need notundergo any special modifications.

[0021] The invention further relates to a block container, characterizedby the features of claim 26.

[0022] Such a block container is particularly suitable for use withinthe invention.

[0023] Within the invention, it is preferred that the block containerscan be fittingly received in a standard container, in rows included nextto or above each other.

[0024] In the further subclaims, further advantageous embodiments of adevice and method, as well as an assembly and series according to theinvention are given. In elucidation of the invention, exemplaryembodiments of a device, method, series, assembly and block containeraccording to the invention will be described further with reference tothe drawing.

[0025] In the drawing:

[0026]FIG. 1 schematically shows, in side view, a device according tothe invention;

[0027]FIG. 2 schematically shows, in side view, a number of stackeddevices according to FIG. 1, in set-up condition;

[0028]FIG. 3 schematically shows, in side view, a number of devicesaccording to FIG. 1, in folded condition;

[0029]FIG. 4 shows, in top plan view, a center part of a carrieraccording to the invention, provided with a partly shown fasteningdevice;

[0030]FIG. 5 schematically shows two devices according to the invention,stacked in an alternative embodiment;

[0031] FIGS. 6A-B show coupling means for a device according to theinvention, in a first embodiment, in retracted condition;

[0032] FIGS. 7A-B show a coupling device according to FIG. 6, incoupling condition;

[0033] FIGS. 8A-D show coupling of two block containers according to theinvention, with the aid of alternative, schematically shown couplingmeans;

[0034] FIGS. 9-11 schematically show a block container for use withinthe invention;

[0035]FIG. 12 schematically shows a logistic method according to theinvention; and

[0036]FIG. 13 shows a second alternative embodiment of coupling meansfor use within the invention.

[0037] In this description a block container is understood to include acontainer adapted to be at least partly folded and/or disassembled,having at least in unfolded condition, substantially, a block-shape,i.e. substantially rectangular end faces, side surfaces and bottomsurface. Block containers for use within the invention have dimensionswhich fit within a modular system based on standard containers. Suchstandard containers, for instance shipping containers, are generallyindicated as, for instance, 20 feet or 40 feet containers. Such standardcontainers are generally used for transport by, for instance, water,road or train and for storage. A block container according to theinvention can, for instance, be designed as shown in FIG. 9, but canalso be designed in a different manner, for instance as a crate that canbe folded or be disassembled, or the like. Specific embodiments, towhich the invention is not limited, are shown in the non-prepublishedDutch patent application entitled “Method and device for packaging cocoabeans and such natural products”, filed on Nov. 15, 2000. This patentapplication is deemed to be incorporated herein by reference. In thisdescription, reference will be made to the use of bolsters and flats.Such carriers are known from practice.

[0038]FIG. 1 schematically shows, in side view, a device 1 according tothe invention in a first embodiment, wherein on a bolster 2 as carrier,two layers of block containers 4 are received, of which, in theexemplary embodiment shown, eight end face walls 6 are visible. Viewedin side view, in the center of the bolster 2, a fastening element 8 tobe further described has been fitted, which extends approximately overthe width of the bolster 2. On both sides of the fastening element 8,the block containers 4 have been arranged. The bolster 2 has a length Lof, for instance, 20 or 40 feet, while the block containers, in thelongitudinal direction L of the bolster 2, have a width B which ischosen such that a discrete number of block containers, in the shownexemplary embodiment four block containers 4, together with a fasteningelement 8 received therebetween can be fittingly received on the bolster2. This means that the block containers 4 are pushed against each otherby the longitudinal sides 10, on both sides of the fastening element 8,the outer side walls 10A being approximately, preferably exactly, flushwith the end faces 12 of the bolster 2. In a comparable manner, the endwalls 6 are flush with the longitudinal edges 14 of the bolster 2, asshown in FIG. 4 in which one block container 4 has been schematicallydrawn in. The block containers have been stacked directly on top of eachother, such that they engage in each other partly, while the bolster 2and the two layers of block containers 4 stacked thereon have a heightcorresponding to the height of a standard container. In this manner, adevice 1 is obtained having the same outside dimensions as a standardcontainer. The load bearing capacity of the bolster 2 and the blockcontainers 4 stacked thereon is chosen such that a series of devices 1can be stacked in the same manner as with standard containers, forinstance up to seven or eleven layers, while, each time, a bolster 2rests on the upper sides 16 of the upper layer of block containers 4.Such a stacking is schematically shown in side view in FIG. 2.

[0039]FIG. 2 shows eight devices 1 stacked in two rows of four layers.Here, again, each device comprises two layers of block containers 4, asshown in FIG. 1. This means that eight bolsters 2 with 64 blockcontainers 4 are stacked in a space corresponding to the space requiredfor stacking eight standard containers. In FIG. 2, all block containersare shown in unfolded condition, which containers are filled withproducts, such as, for instance, bulk goods. By way of illustration,block containers 4 according to the invention can for instance be filledwith natural products, such as cocoa beans, coffee beans or the like,with granulates, grains and the like, but also with more solid products,such as products packaged in boxes. However, this should not be taken tobe limitative in any way. The block containers 4 can also be used fordifferent products, stacked on one and the same bolster.

[0040] In FIG. 3, the devices 1 of FIG. 2 are shown in folded condition.This means that the block containers have been folded and put on therespective bolsters 2, whereupon these have been stacked one on top ofthe other. Then, the height H of the eight devices 1, in foldedcondition, is preferably equal to the height H of one device 1 inunfolded condition, i.e. of a bolster having thereon two layers of blockcontainers 4. It will be clear that by suitable dimensioning, it is, forinstance, also possible to fold together and stack a different number,for instance eleven, devices 1, as shown in FIG. 3 within a height Hcorresponding to the height of a device 1 in unfolded condition. As isclearly found upon comparison of FIGS. 2 and 3, by folding and stackingthe devices 1, a particularly large space saving is obtained. This meansthat for returning and storing the empty block containers 4, at leastdevices 1, little space is required, which, naturally, is economicallyadvantageous.

[0041]FIG. 4 schematically shows, in top plan view, a bolster 2 havingthereon one block container 4, which abuts against a beam-shapedfastening element 8 extending over the width of the bolster 2. In FIG.4, only half the fastening element 8 is shown, so that keyholes 16situated underneath are visible. Such keyholes 16 are usually providedin bolsters. At the bottom side, the fastening element 8 is providedwith pins with flanges with which the fastening element 8 can be securedin the keyholes 16. However, it will be clear that the fastening element8 can be secured in any desired manner. Optionally, it can even form anintegral part of the bolster 2.

[0042] In FIG. 5, two devices 1 according to the invention are shown,stacked, in an alternative embodiment. In this embodiment, eight blockcontainers 4 have been stacked on a flat 2A. Such a flat 2A, known frompractice, is in principle comparable to a bolster 2 as shown in FIGS.1-4, while, however, two diametrically opposed end walls 18 areprovided, connected in hinges 20 to a plate-shaped carrier 2B, designedas a bolster 2. The end walls 18 have a height such, that, again, theheight H of the device 1 is equal to the height of a standard container.The eight block containers 4 are stacked in dense stacking on thecarrier 2B between the end walls 18, such, that the entire device 1,again, is substantially block-shaped. The devices 1 are stacked byplacing the carrier 2B of the upper device 1 on the end walls 18 and/orthe block containers 4. Once again, when the block containers 4 areempty, the block containers 4 can be folded and/or disassembled, bypivoting the end walls 18 against the carriers 2B. Subsequently, thefolded or disassembled block containers 4 are stacked on the side walls18, whereupon, once again, the thus folded devices 1 can be stacked asshown in FIG. 3.

[0043] It will be clear that the bolsters 2 and the flats 2A can also beused together in random combinations, optionally together with standardcontainers of the same, at least a matching modular size. Also, thebolsters 2 and the flats 2A can be stacked directly one on top of theother, while, for instance, the block containers 4 are stacked andtransported separately, while, for instance, they can also be stored ina standard container. In particular, this is preferred when loose parts,such as bigbags which are to be suspended in frames of the blockcontainers 4 or the like, are to be taken along.

[0044] In the exemplary embodiments shown, each time, eight blockcontainers 4 are stacked on a bolster 2 or flat 2A. However, it will beclear that also a different number of block containers 4 can be stackedthereon, by modifying the outside dimensions of the block containers 4or by using a bolster 2 or flat 2A with different standard dimensions.Also, the block containers 4 can be stacked in a different number oflayers, depending, again, on the outside dimensions of the blockcontainers on the one hand and the standard containers, at least thedesired outside dimensions of the device 1, on the other hand. Suchmodifications will be directly clear to the skilled person.

[0045] In devices 1 according to the invention, the block containers 4,at least in set-up and/or unfolded condition and preferably also infolded condition, are mutually connected, while, furthermore, at leastone and preferably a number of the block containers are connected to thebolster 2 or flat 2A at least the carrier 2 via the fastening means 8.To this end, any fastening means known from practice can be used, amongwhich, for instance, straps, clamping connections and the like. However,it is preferred that coupling means be used which form part of the blockcontainer 4 and/or the fastening means 8 and which, in non-coupledcondition, are completely received within the outer contours of theblock containers 4 and only in coupled condition reach beyond them, forengagement of an adjacent block container and/or fastening means 8. InFIGS. 6-8, two exemplary embodiments of such coupling means are shown byway of illustration. An advantage of such coupling means is that theyare always available, while damage to them is easily prevented when theblock containers 4 are not coupled. The fact is that then, the couplingmeans are fully protected towards the outside.

[0046] In FIGS. 9-11, an embodiment of a foldable block container 1 isshown, as an example, with reference to which coupling means accordingto FIGS. 6-8 will be described.

[0047] In FIG. 9, in side view, an embodiment of a frame 102 for a blockcontainer 4 according to the invention is schematically shown. In thisschematic view, at the left hand side, a frame wall part 132 in set-upcondition is shown and at the right hand side in collapsed condition. InFIG. 10, in perspective view, a lower corner of a frame according toFIG. 9 is shown, viewed from the inside. The frame 102 comprises twolongitudinal girders 126 extending parallel to each other and two crossgirders 126A mutually connecting the longitudinal girders by their endfaces. The girders are manufactured from box profiles. In thelongitudinal girders 126, adjacent the end faces, on both sides,rectangular recesses 182 are arranged, adjacent the lower sides. Theframe wall parts 132 comprise two legs 134 extending parallel to eachother, connected at the top end by a cross connection 136, while,adjacent the lower ends, the legs are provided with a leg part 180extending, with the frame wall part 132 in set up condition,approximately horizontally and parallel to the longitudinal girders 126.Adjacent the free end of the leg part 180, a blocking pin 148 isprovided which reaches into the rectangular recess 182 and hasrelatively much clearance there. Adjacent a lower end, the two legs 134are mutually connected by a cross rod 149, having, for instance, acircular cross section. This cross rod 149 extends parallel to the crossgirders 126A, adjacent an upper side thereof. On the upper side of thecross girders 126A, a number of hooking elements 147 have been fitted,for instance by welding, open at the top and turned outwards. With aset-up frame wall part 132, as shown in FIG. 9 at the left hand side,FIG. 10 and FIG. 11A, the cross rod 149 is received within the hookingelements 147. A sack-shaped element 104 can be attached to hookingelements 154, 156. When loaded by the sack-shaped element, the framewall part 132 is loaded in the direction F, so that, in principle, itwill tend to rotate about the cross rod 149, within the hooking element147, the horizontal leg part 180 being pushed against a horizontal platepart 140 welded between the frame parts 126, 126A, while the blockingpin 148 is pushed into a lower corner of the recess 182 proximal to thecross girder 126A. The lower end of the legs 134 is then pushed againstthe cross-girder 126A. In this condition, the frame wall part 132 issecurely locked and the packaging device 101 can be manipulated in asimple manner and, for instance, be held upside down to be emptied.Moreover, on the plate part 140, a locking projection 181 is provided,against which the free end of the leg part 180 abuts. As a result, theleg 134 cannot rotate without it first being slightly lifted, whereuponthe hook 147 will deform elastically at least to some extent, as will bediscussed further.

[0048] In FIG. 9 on the right hand side, the frame wall part 132 hasbeen brought in a collapsed condition. With reference to FIGS. 11A-D,this will be explained further.

[0049] From the set-up position, as shown in FIG. 11A, where a lowercorner of the frame 102 is shown, a sack-shaped element 104, suspendedwithin the frame 102, is taken from the hooks 154, 156 after it has beenemptied. Then, the frame wall part 132 is lifted up somewhat, until theleg part 180 reaches above the locking projection 181, whereupon it istilted outwards in the direction T facing away from the arrow F in FIG.9, about the cross rod 149 within the hook-shaped elements 147, such,that the blocking pin 148 is pushed into a top corner of the recess 182remote from the cross girder 126A. When the frame wall part 132 is movedupwards, the hook-shaped elements 147 and/or the cross rod 149 areelastically deformed to some extent to enable the desired placement. Dueto the position of the blocking pin 148, further rotation is prevented.This position is shown in FIG. 11B. From this position, the frame wallpart 132 is pulled upwards, approximately parallel to the plane of theframe wall part 132, such that the cross rod 149 is pulled from thehook-shaped elements 147. Preferably, here, a slight elastic deformationshould occur, so that a proper confinement can be obtained. In FIG. 11C,the cross rod 149 is shown detached from the hook-shaped elements 147,while the frame wall part is somewhat moved upwards in relation to theposition as shown in FIG. 11A, such, that the blocking pin 148 is pushedin the upper corner of the recess 182 proximal to the cross girder 126A.Then, the frame wall part 132 is tilted in the direction F, to theposition shown in FIG. 11D, while the legs 134 extend parallel to thelongitudinal girders 126, the leg part 180 extending approximatelyvertically and resting on the plate 140. Then, the blocking pin 148 liesat the bottom of the recess 182.

[0050] The block container described here is described in more detail inthe above-mentioned Dutch patent application, which is incorporatedherein by reference, also as regards the further embodiments describedtherein.

[0051] It will be directly clear that a frame wall part 132 can bebrought from the position shown in FIG. 11D to the position shown inFIG. 11a in a simple manner, in an order contrary to the earlierdescribed order for folding in. In the embodiments shown, thesack-shaped element can, for instance, be simply designed as a big bag.Preferably, a block container 4 according to the invention has a modularsize fitting standard (shipping) containers, for instance(x*0.5)m×(y*0.6)m×(z*0.6)m, where x, y and z are integers.

[0052] The frame can be designed in many different manners, for instancesuch that it can be wholly or partly disassembled instead of beingfolded. Also, different types of sack-shaped elements can be used.Further, for instance, more than two frame wall parts can be provided,so that several sack-shaped elements can be suspended in a blockcontainer according to the invention while frame wall parts can also bebuilt up differently, for instance from wire netting, perforated orclosed plate material or the like.

[0053] It is noted, for that matter, that in the foregoing Figures,reference numerals from the FIGS. 9-11 are indicated without furtherdiscussion, by way of illustration.

[0054] In FIGS. 6A and 6B, in front view and side view, respectively,two girders 126 are shown, pushed against each other and having,connected thereto, cross girders 126A and legs 134. In FIG. 6, they aredrawn in uncoupled condition. FIGS. 7A and B show the same views, but incoupled condition. In FIGS. 6A and 7A, in the left hand girder 126,coupling means 200 are shown. These coupling means comprise a shaft 202extending approximately horizontally having thereon a first run-on cam204, fixedly connected to the shaft 202. A second run-on cam 206 isrotatably disposed on the same shaft 202. The run-on cams 204, 206 havecomplementary, inclining surfaces, which include an angle α with thelongitudinal axis L of the shaft 202. Between the second run-on cam 206and the outwards facing wall 208 of the girder 126, a spring 210 isincluded, which pushes the second run-on cam 206 with the incliningsurface against the first run-on cam 204. On the second run-on cam 206,on the side proximal to the wall 208, a somewhat U-shaped bracket 212 isfitted, with a long leg 214 abutting against the second run-on cam 206,and a relatively short leg 215 located adjacent the wall 208, below theshaft 202. In the wall 208, under the shaft 202, an opening 216 isprovided, through which the relatively elongated, U-shaped bracket 212can reach, at least through the short leg 215 thereof. As is clear fromFIGS. 6A and B, in the first position shown there, the U-shaped bracket212 is virtually completely received within the box profile 126, whilean inclining striking lip 218 reaches into the opening 216 to someextent. To the long leg 214, an arm 220 is attached, which, in the firstposition, extends approximately horizontally in the direction facingaway from the U-shaped bracket 212, while against the inner side of thewall 208, approximately adjacent the lower longitudinal edge of theopening 216, at a distance from the opening 216 mentioned, a pin 222extends, on the inside of the girder 126. This pin 222 has a lengthwhich is smaller than the distance between the second run-on cam 206 andthe wall 208. In the girder 126 shown in FIGS. 6A and 7A at the righthand side, a corresponding opening 216A is provided, in which no furthercoupling means have been provided. The coupling means 200 can be used asfollows.

[0055] After two block containers 4 have been fittingly pushed againsteach other, such that the openings 216, 216A abut against each other,the U-shaped bracket 212 is pushed over the lower longitudinal edge 217of the opening 216, through the opening 216 and 216A, whereupon thesecond run-on cam 206 is rotated about the shaft 202, counter-clockwisein the side views of FIGS. 6B and 7B. The second run-on cam 206 is thenforced outwards by the first run-on cam 204, while compressing thespring 210. The free end 224 of the short leg 215 of the U-shapedsection 212 will then engage against the inner side of the wall 208A ofthe right hand box profile 126, above the opening 216A, while the arm220 is forced beyond the pin 222 and will engage behind it. In thiscondition, the coupling means 200 are blocked by the arm 220 and the pin222, while the two profiles 126 are held against each other by theU-shaped bracket 212. Upon uncoupling of the two block containers, thearm 220 is again forced along the pin 222 in a simple manner so that theU-shaped bracket 212 is forced back into the first position by thespring 210, as is shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. Also, when next to the lefthand block container 4 no second block container 4 extends, at least notwith an opening 216A at the suitable position, the U-shaped section 212will be forced back into the box profile 126 by the spring 210. Lateralconnection of the block containers 4 offers the advantage that movingapart of the block containers 4 on the bolsters 2 and/or the flats 2A isprevented. Thus, a particularly stable stacking can be obtained.

[0056] In the fastening means 8, designed in FIG. 4 as a box profile 8,openings 216A are provided, in which the coupling means 200, at leastthe U-shaped sections can engage, so that the block container 4 can beattached to the fastening means 8. Thus a secure confinement iseffected.

[0057] In FIGS. 8A-C, an alternative embodiment of coupling means 200according to the invention is shown, in a girder 126. In FIG. 8A, incross section, a girder 126 is shown, in which an arm 232, pivotableabout a shaft 230, is fitted. The arm 232 reaches from the shaft 230through an opening in the inward facing wall 208B through the boxprofile 126 into an opening 216 provided in the opposite wall 208. Thearm 232 is provided at its free end with a hook 234 which is turnedupwards. Between the bottom wall 209 of the girder 126 and the arm 232,a spring 210 is provided, which biases the arm 232 in an upwardlypivoted position, as shown in FIG. 8A. There, the arm 232 has a lengthsuch that in the upwardly pivoted position shown in FIG. 8, it isvirtually completely received within the box profile 126. From thisposition, the arm 232 can be pivoted downwards, to the position shown inFIG. 8B, while compressing the spring 210, such that the hook 234reaches outside the opening 216. In this condition, the hook 234 can beinserted through an opening 216A into a girder 126A of a block container4A to be coupled. This opening 216A has a height D which is considerablyless than the height of the box profile 126. The upper longitudinal edge217 of the opening 216A is, for instance, at approximately the sameheight as the shaft 230. When the girders 126, 126A are pushed againsteach other, as shown in FIG. 8C, the arm 232 can be released, whereuponit is pivoted upwards by the spring 210, in the direction of the firstposition shown in FIG. 8A. However, then, the hook 234 will engagebehind the wall 208A of the right hand box profile 126A, behind theupper longitudinal edge 217 of the opening 216A. Thus, in a simplemanner, further pivoting is prevented, while the two box profiles 126,126A are mutually coupled. If no box profile 126A is pushed against theleft hand box profile 126, the arm 232 will move on to the firstposition, back into the box profile 126. When the right hand blockcontainer 4A is lifted, the hook 234 will automatically be released fromthe opening 216A, such that the block containers 4, 4A are uncoupled.

[0058] It is preferred that the coupling means 200 can be operated by,for instance, forks of a forklift truck with which the block containers4 are lifted. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, this can for instancebe effected by lengthening the pivot arm 232 in the direction facingaway from the opening 216, for instance with an arm 232A, extendingapproximately horizontally, represented in FIG. 8A in dotted lines. Inthe opposite girder 126 of the same block container 4 (not shown)openings are provided through which both forks of a forklift truck canbe inserted, for lifting the block container 4. Then, the forks are slidunder the lengthened arm 232A, which arm is then pushed away upwards.Thus, the pivot arm 232 is forced downwards, to the position shown inFIG. 8B. When the forks are retracted, the pivot arm will be forced backby the spring 210 in the direction of the first position shown in FIG.8A. This means that when the block container 4 shown at the right handside in FIGS. 8C and 8D is removed with a forklift truck, the arm 232 isforced downwards again and the block container 4 can be taken away.

[0059] The coupling means 200 can also engage over the girders 126, forinstance as a substantially L-shaped bracket 242, shown in FIG. 13,pivotable about an axis 240 extending parallel to the girder 126, whichbracket 242, in an uncoupled condition, rests on a girder 126, with theleg 244 of the L upwards, and, in coupled condition, engages over anadjacent girder 126, with the leg of the L downwards. Preferably, then,the bracket 242 is biased by a spring 246 in the uncoupled and/or in thecoupled condition, with the aid of a snap mechanism having two deadcenters. To that end, for instance, the spring 246 can be used as shownin FIG. 13.

[0060]FIG. 12 schematically represents how devices 1 according to theinvention can be used. A number of frames 102, in folded condition aspartly represented in FIG. 3, preferably stacked on a bolster 2 or flat2A, are transported to a filling location, such as a plantation 72,together with a matching number of sacks 104, represented in foldedcondition. Since, as a result, the devices 1 take up a relatively smallvolume, a large number of such devices can be transported in a simplemanner. At the plantation mentioned, at least at a suitable fillinglocation, the devices 1 are set up by folding out the frames 102 andsuspending the sacks 104. Then, the sacks 104 are filled with cocoabeans from the plantation 72, whereupon the devices 1 are transported,in stacked condition, to a storage space and/or processing device 74,where the devices 1 are arranged integrally in a storage space 74, forinstance with a forklift truck. To that end, the devices can berestacked, but can also be placed in racks on rollers or the like, sothat moving is possible in a simple manner. As the sacks 104 areair-permeable and do not entirely abut each other as a consequence ofthe frames 102, during transport and storage ventilation of the cocoabeans can be ensured in a simple manner, so that mold formation, rottingand the like can simply be prevented. As the devices can simply be takenup and moved in their entirety, each time a suitable choice from thecocoa beans present can be made for further processing. If a particularblock container 4, at least the cocoa beans present therein are eligiblefor further processing, the block container is simply taken up, forinstance with a suitable forklift truck or the like, whereupon it can bedriven to a pouring place. There, the block container 4 is tilted,preferably to a position wherein the open upper side 106 issubstantially directed downwards.

[0061] It is preferred that use is made of a calculating unit withwhich, each time, the amount of devices 1, at least frames 102 and sacks104 can be calculated which have to be transported to a particularplantation 72, at least collecting point for packaging the cocoa beansor such products available there. Naturally, for other types ofproducts, modified block containers, filling locations and methods forloading and unloading can be used. Thus, a particularly simple andeconomically logistic system is obtained.

[0062] The invention is not limited in any way to the exemplaryembodiments described and shown in the drawings. Many variations thereonare possible within the framework of the invention as outlined by theclaims.

[0063] For instance, other types and other numbers of block containerscan be used within the invention, while combinations of bolsters, flatsand standard containers can be used. The coupling means 200 can bedesigned in a different manner, while, furthermore, if applicable, theycan be omitted when the block containers can be placed loosely, or canbe secured in a different manner, for instance by strapping, or can beconnected with other coupling means.

[0064] In the description, a logistic system is described on the basisof transport and storage, as well as use of devices 1 according to theinvention for cocoa beans. However, it will be clear that in the same orin a comparable manner, devices according to the invention can also beused for different products, to be poured or not to be poured in bulk.For the coupling means 200, also other operating means can be provided,for instance biased such that they are coupled upon placement of theblock containers on each other and/or on a bolster, while, upon liftingthereof, the coupling means will be automatically released. It will beclear that the block containers 4 as a result of their own weight and,optionally, further block containers and/or devices according to theinvention placed thereon will be held in their place in verticaldirection.

[0065] Instead of bolsters 2 and/or flats 2A known per se, alsodifferent, substantially plate-shaped carriers can be used, for instancecustom made carriers. The devices 1 according to the invention can bestacked both in storage places and in transport means. The blockcontainers 4 can be fastened to the carrier 2 in a different manner, forinstance directly in the keyholes.

[0066] These and many comparable variations are understood to fallwithin the framework of the invention as outlined by the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for transporting and/or storingproducts, comprising carrier and a number of substantially block-shapedcontainers, to be called block containers, wherein, on the carrier, atleast one layer of series of block containers arranged next to andbehind each other is provided, wherein the block containers are adoptedto be folded and/or disassembled, wherein said carrier is substantiallyplate-shaped wherein the block containers comprise coupling means andare mutually coupled to each other and/or to said substantiallyplate-shaped carrier directly.
 2. A device according to claim 1, whereinthe block containers placed on said carrier are laterally connected toeach other.
 3. A device according to claim 1, wherein the containers aredesigned such that on a top layer of block containers on a firstplate-shaped carrier, a second plate-shaped carrier is stackable, onwhich further block containers have been placed.
 4. A device accordingto claim 1, wherein on the top layer of block containers on a firstplate-shaped carrier, a further container is placed, which furthercontainer is a standard container, in particular a 20 or 40 footcontainer with a bottom surface having dimensions approximatelycorresponding to the dimensions of a matrix of said block containersonto which the further container has been placed.
 5. A device accordingto claim 1, wherein the device has outside dimensions substantiallycorresponding to those of a standard container, in particular a 20 or 40foot container.
 6. A device according to claim 1, wherein on thecarrier, a fastening element is provided to which at least a number ofthe block containers included in a lower layer is connected.
 7. A deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein on two opposite sides, the carrier isprovided with a side wall, in particular a sidewall which can be foldedagainst the carrier.
 8. A device according to claim 1, wherein the blockcontainers are provided with coupling elements which, in a firstposition, are virtually completely received within the block container,while, in a second position, the coupling elements reach at least partlyoutside the block container and engage on or in an adjacent blockcontainer or on or in the carrier or a fastening element providedthereon.
 9. A device according to claim 8, wherein each block containeris provided with engaging means for engagement of the block containerwith the lifting forks of a lifting device, wherein the coupling meansare operable by said forks upon engagement of the engagement means. 10.A device according to claim 1, wherein the carrier is a bolster or flatknown per se.
 11. A series of devices of the type according to claim 1,wherein the block containers of a device in folded and/or disassembledcondition are stackable on the associated carrier, wherein said seriesis stackable, wherein a series of carriers stacked one on top of theother with block containers stacked, folded and/or disassembled thereonhas outside dimensions fitting within a modular size of standardcontainers, particularly a 20 or 40 foot container.
 12. A series ofdevices according to claim 11, 2h343in onto each carrier two layers ofblock containers are provided, wherein ten or eleven carriers withassociated block containers in folded and/or disassembled condition arestackable within the dimensions of a standard container particularly a20 or 40 foot container.
 13. An assembly of a series of devicesaccording to claim 1 and a series of standard containers, particularly20 and/or 40 foot containers, wherein the standard containers and saiddevices with unfolded block containers are stacked on top of and next toeach other, in particular in a transport device or in or on a storagespace.
 14. An assembly of a series of devices according to claim 1 and aseries of standard containers, particularly 20 and/or 40 footcontainers, wherein the standard containers and said devices with foldedand/or disassembled block containers are stacked on top of and next toeach other, in particular in a transport device or in or on a storagespace.
 15. A method for transporting products, wherein the products arereceived in containers adopted to be folded and/or disassembled,substantially block-shaped, to be called block containers, wherein theblock containers are stacked in files and/or in rows on a carrier,whereupon the assembly of carrier and block containers is transportedand/or stored, whereupon the block containers are emptied and are foldedand/or disassembled for further transport, in particular returntransport and/or storage, wherein the containers are placed on asubstantially flat carrier and are coupled directly to each other and/orto said carrier by locking means in folded out or assembled state.
 16. Amethod according to claim 15, wherein a number of the block containersare attached to the carrier.
 17. A method according to claim 15, whereinthe block containers are stacked to form a substantially block-shapedassembly with outside dimensions which substantially correspond to theoutside dimensions of a standard container, in particular a 20 or 40foot container, at least a modular size thereof.
 18. A method accordingto claim 15, wherein a number of assemblies of carriers with blockcontainers stacked thereon are stacked in a transport device of, on, orin a storage space.
 19. A method according to claim 15, wherein a numberof assemblies of carriers with block containers stacked thereon and anumber of standard containers, in particular 20 and/or 40 footcontainers, are stacked in a transport device or on, or in a storagespace.
 20. A method according to claim 15, wherein the block containersare emptied and are folded and/or disassembled, whereupon the foldedand/or disassembled block containers are restacked on the carrier to asubstantially block-shaped assembly with outside dimensions whichsubstantially correspond to the outside dimensions of a standardcontainer, in particular a 20 or 40 foot container, at least a modularsize thereof.
 21. A method according to claim 15, wherein at least anumber of the block containers is comprised of at least a carrier frameand an inner carrier, wherein the inner carrier is foldable and ispreferably provided with ventilation openings.
 22. A method according toclaim 21, wherein the carrier frame and the inner carrier, afteremptying of a block container, are separated from each other and areseparately cleaned and/or folded.
 23. Use of a device according to claim1, said carrier being bolster or flat for transporting and/or storinggoods, wherein: the containers in folded out and/or assembled conditionare stacked on the bolster or flat, while forming a substantiallyblock-shaped assembly with outside dimensions which fit within a modularsize of a standard container, particularly a 20 or 40 foot containerfrom a filling position; and The containers in folded and/ordisassembled condition are stacked on the bolster or flat, while forminga substantially block-shaped assembly with outside dimensions which fitwithin a modular size of a standard container, particularly 1 20 or 40foot container, for transport to a filling position or storage; whereinthe containers are connected directly to each other and/or to saidbolster or flat.
 24. Use of a bolster or flat according to claim 23,wherein on the bolster or flat, fastening means are secured to which atleast a number of a lower layer of containers are attached, wherein thecontainers in at least the or each layer are mutually coupled.
 25. Ablock container for use in a device according to claim 1, which blockcontainer has outside dimensions which substantially fit within amodular size of a standard container and is provided with coupling meansfor coupling to a similar container.
 26. A method according to claim 15,which block container has outside dimensions which substantially fitwithin a modular size of a standard container and is provided withcoupling means for coupling to a similar container.